I was going into journalism before I realized that this kind-of thing is how you get paid. Now a psych major.

Michelle Godkin List

Many great sportswriters are simply great writers. I truly care nothing for sports, per se, but I love a good story.
Some of the sportswriting by the writers named by Tony C. is exceptional and worth reading, regardless of your favored genres. Other great examples include Grantland Rice and Rick Reilly.